Pictures from Nigeria

Picture 1.  The goat has been slaughtered. Phillip, Mark and Courage cut it and cook it in the compound where I am staying. The bishop has also begun a fish farm and raises turkeys at the compound, along with crop production. The ground is not the best for growth but a number of trees grow here including cashew trees, mango and cocnunt trees and okra (spelling?) trees.

Picture 2. A church under construction. Only 5 families belong to this parish and yet they are determined to have their own church. Mass used to be said under a cashew tree. Now it is said here under this partially roofed church.

Picture 3. A kindergarden class at St. Josephine Bakhiri Kindergarden and Primary School. Yes, the little ones really do sit at desks like this, with as many as 5 to a desk. Most learning is done in rote style and materials are limited. No blocks, dolls, farm animals, games, etc. to be seen. The bright lunch kits at the back of the room hold their snacks and/or lunches.

Picture 4.  A grade two class. Although crowded, the children greet visitors in unison and sing their school song in full voice. They are happy to be at school as so many children do not get to attend. Tuition fees are paid by all to attend school. Uniforms must be purchased by the families. Most parents want their children in school. But many cannot afford the cost.

Picture 5.  Wherever we travel the people gather quickly to come and greet us and welcome us. They also love to have pictures taken and I am happy to oblige. This church (sorry can't remember the name) is where Fr. John Okosun (now at Holy Redeemer Parish in Kanata while studying at St. Paul's) was the parish priest for a couple of years and then Bishop Dunia was parish priest there for a couple of years before he became a bishop. The name of the village is Iviuwek.